Vertically adjustable bicycle assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle. In other arrangements, the first bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycle portion comprises a handlebar assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/077,112, filed Jun. 30, 2008 andU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/099,518, filed Sep. 23, 2008, theentireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Inventions

This application generally relates to adjustable assemblies forbicycles, and more specifically, to vertically-adjustable bicycle saddleposts and handlebar assemblies.

2. Description of the Related Art

In certain situations, it may be desirable for a cyclist to selectivelyraise or lower the saddle, handlebar assembly and/or other bicycleassembly while he or she is riding the bicycle. For example, it may beadvantageous to lower the saddle when going downhill. Further, it may beadvantageous to raise the saddle when climbing a hill. The height of thebicycle saddle may be important in determining a rider's powerefficiency. In addition, extended use of a bicycle that has animproperly positioned saddle may lead to discomfort and/or injury.Adjustable seat post assemblies are known in the prior art. However,such seat post assemblies are often overly complicated, unreliableand/or difficult to operate or maintain. Accordingly, an improvedadjustable bicycle assembly is disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycleincludes a first support having an interior surface and a second supportslidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. Inone embodiment, one of the first support and the second support isadapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the firstsupport and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycleportion. In some arrangements, one of the first and second supports ispermanently attached to or made a part of the frame of the bicycle.Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured tobe moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. Theexpansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of thefirst support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. Inaddition, the first support is configured to be selectively movedrelative to the second support when the expansion portion is permittedto assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycleportion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portioncomprises a bicycle saddle. In other arrangements, the first bicycleportion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycle portioncomprises a handlebar assembly.

According to some embodiments, a bicycle includes an adjustableassembly. In some arrangements, the assembly includes a first supportconfigured to attach to a first bicycle portion, the first supporthaving an interior surface. The assembly further includes a secondsupport configured to attach to a second bicycle portion, the secondsupport being slidably positioned within the first support. The secondsupport includes a movable portion configured to engage the interiorsurface of the first support when the movable portion is in an expandedposition. In one embodiment, the assembly further includes a retentionassembly configured to slidably move at least partially into or out ofan interior space of the movable portion, such that the movable portionis generally not permitted to retract inwardly when the retentionassembly is positioned within the interior space of the movable portion.Further, the assembly comprises an actuator configured to selectivelymove the retention assembly into or out of the interior space of themovable portion. In some embodiments, the second support can beselectively moved relative to the first support when the retentionassembly is moved out of the interior space of the movable portion.Moreover, the second support is configured to be stationary relative tothe first support when the retention assembly is positioned within theinterior space of the movable portion. In some arrangements, the firstbicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portioncomprises a bicycle saddle. In other embodiments, the first bicycleportion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycle portioncomprises a handlebar assembly.

According to some embodiments, a method of adjusting the verticalposition of a bicycle component comprises providing an adjustableassembly having an outer support and an inner support. In somearrangements, the inner support is slidably positioned within the outersupport. Further, the inner support includes an expansion portionconfigured to engage an interior surface of the outer portion when theexpansion portion is in an expanded position. The adjustable assemblyfurther includes a biasing assembly configured to urge the inner supportrelative to the outer support. In one embodiment, the assemblyadditionally comprises an actuator configured to selectively permit theexpansion portion to be either in a locked orientation wherein theexpansion portion is maintained in the expanded position or an unlockedorientation wherein the expansion portion is generally allowed to moveinto a retracted position.

In some arrangements, the inner support is configured to be selectivelyslidably moved relative to the outer support when the expansion portionis in the unlocked orientation. Further, the inner support is configuredto be generally stationary relative to the outer support when theexpansion portion is in the locked orientation. The method furtherincludes securing the outer portion of the adjustable assembly to afirst bicycle portion and securing the inner portion of the adjustableassembly to a second bicycle portion. In some arrangements, the methodadditionally comprises selectively raising the second bicycle portionrelative to the first bicycle portion by reducing downward forces on thesecond bicycle portion and moving the actuator so that the expansionportion is in the unlocked orientation, or selectively lowering thesecond bicycle portion relative to the first bicycle portion by exertinga downward force on the second bicycle portion and moving the actuatorso that the expansion portion is in the unlocked orientation. Inaddition, the method includes maintaining a selected vertical positionof the second bicycle portion by moving the actuator so that theexpansion portion is in the locked orientation. According to someembodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and thesecond bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle. In otherarrangements, the first bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly andthe second bicycle portion comprises a handlebar assembly.

In some embodiments, an adjustable seat post assembly for a bicycleincludes a first support having an interior surface and a second supportslidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. Inone arrangement, the first support is adapted to attach to a bicycleframe, and the second support is adapted to attach to a bicycle saddle.In an alternative embodiment, the second support is adapted to attach toa bicycle frame, and the first support is adapted to attach to a bicyclesaddle. Further, the second support includes a collet or other expansionportion that is adapted to be moved between an expanded position and aretracted position. The collet or other expansion portion is configuredto engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansionportion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support isconfigured to be selectively moved relative to the second support whenthe expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.

In some embodiments, the interior surface of the first support comprisesa plurality of grooves, and the expansion portion is configured toengage one of the grooves when in an expanded position. In otherarrangements, the expansion portion comprises a collet or anotherexpandable member. In one embodiment, the collet is slotted and/or isotherwise configured to facilitate retraction and/or expansion. In someembodiments, the collet or other expansion portion comprises springsteel and/or other resilient materials. In another embodiment, thesecond support comprises a main body portion, and the expansion portionis separately formed with the main body portion. In alternativeembodiments, the expansion portion is integrally formed with the secondsupport.

According to some embodiments, the adjustable seat post further includesa biasing assembly configured to urge the support (e.g., the firstsupport or the second support) that is attached to the bicycle saddlerelative to the support (e.g., the second support or the first support)that in attached to the bicycle frame. In one embodiment, the expansionportion is in an expanded position while in a resting state when noexternal forces are exerted on the expansion portion, such that theexpansion portion normally engages one of the grooves of the firstsupport. In some arrangements, the expansion portion comprises a colletor other expandable portion.

In some embodiments, the first support and the second support of anadjustable seat post include a generally cylindrical or other tubularshape. In other embodiments, the outer support and the inner supportcomprise a different shape. In other embodiments, the grooves arecircumferentially located around the interior surface of the firstsupport. In one arrangement, the adjustable seat post assembly furthercomprises a retention assembly configured to slidably move at leastpartially within or out of an interior space of the expansion portion.In some embodiments, the expansion portion is generally not permitted toretract inwardly when the retention assembly is positioned within theinterior space of the expansion portion. In some embodiments, theretention assembly comprises a bearing portion, a locking portion and/orany other portion or component.

According to some embodiments, a retention assembly and/or any othermember is normally resiliently biased at least partially within theinterior space of the expansion portion. In other arrangements, theadjustable seat post assembly further includes a connector mechanicallyattached to the retention assembly (e.g., bearing portion, lockingportion, etc.) or any other member, such that movement of the connectorin a first direction moves the retention assembly and/or one or more ofits portions or components (e.g., bearing portion, locking portion,etc.) within the interior space of the expansion portion. Further, andmovement of the connector in a second direction moves the retentionassembly and/or one or more of its portions or components bearingportion out of the interior space of the expansion member, the seconddirection being generally opposite of the first direction. In someembodiments, the connector comprises a cable, a rod or other actuator.

In some embodiments, the connector is operatively connected to a leverconfigured to be manipulated while the bicycle is being ridden. In otherarrangements, the seat post assembly further includes a lock pinoperatively connected to the connector and the retention assembly. Inone embodiment, the lock pin is configured to prevent the expansionportion from retracting inwardly when positioned within the interiorspace of the expansion portion.

According to other embodiments, a bicycle includes an adjustable seatpost device or assembly which comprises a first support configured toattach to a bicycle frame and a second support configured to attach to abicycle saddle. In some embodiments, the first support includes aninterior surface, and the second support is slidably positioned withinthe first support. In one arrangement, the second support includes amovable portion configured to engage the interior surface of the firstsupport when the movable portion is in an expanded position. Theadjustable seat post further includes a retention assembly and/or anyother member configured to slidably move at least partially into or outof an interior space of the movable portion. In one embodiment, themovable portion is generally not permitted to retract inwardly when theretention assembly is positioned within the interior space of themovable portion. In some embodiments, the retention assembly comprises abearing portion a locking portion and/or any portion or component. Inother arrangements, the seat post further comprises a cable, a rod orother actuator configured to selectively move the retention assembly(e.g., the bearing portion, locking portion and/or any other portion orcomponent of the retention assembly) into or out of the interior spaceof the movable portion. In some embodiments, the second support can beselectively moved relative to the first support when the retentionassembly and/or other members are moved out of the interior space of themovable portion. In some embodiments, the second support is configuredto be stationary relative to the first support when the retentionassembly and/or other members are positioned within the interior spaceof the movable portion.

In some arrangements, the interior surface of the first supportcomprises a plurality of grooves. In one embodiment, the movable portionof the second support is configured to engage one of the grooves whenthe movable portion is in an expanded position. In other embodiments,the second support comprises a main body portion. In another embodiment,the movable portion is separately formed with the main body portion.

According to some embodiments, the movable portion is integrally formedwith the second support. In other arrangements, the movable portion ofthe second support comprises an expansion portion. In one embodiment,the expansion portion comprises a collet or other expandable member. Insome embodiments, the collet is slotted or includes other features thathelp it to retract or expand. In some arrangements, the second supportcomprises an upper end and a lower end, the movable portion beingpositioned at or near said lower end of the second support. In otherembodiments, the movable portion is positioned along any other portionof the second support.

In some embodiments, the seat post assembly of the bicycle furthercomprising a biasing assembly configured to urge the second supportrelative to the first support. In one arrangement, the retentionassembly is normally resiliently biased at least partially within theinterior space of the movable portion. In other embodiments, theactuator comprises a connector mechanically attached to the retentionassembly, which is configured to be moved out of the interior space ofthe movable portion when the connector is generally moved. In someembodiments, the connector comprises a cable, a rod or other actuator.In other embodiments, the connector is operatively connected to a leveror other actuation device located near a handlebar area of the bicycle.In some embodiments, the connector is operatively attached to a lever orother actuation device positioned underneath the saddle or positionedalong any other location of the bicycle.

According to some arrangements, a method of adjusting the verticalposition of a saddle of a bicycle includes the step of providing anadjustable seat post assembly. In some embodiments, the seat postassembly includes an outer support and an inner support slidablypositioned within the outer support. In some arrangements, the innersupport includes an expansion portion configured to engage an interiorsurface of the outer portion when the expansion portion is in anexpanded position. In some embodiments, the adjustable seat postassembly further comprises a biasing assembly configured to urge theinner support relative to the outer support, and an actuator configuredto selectively permit the expansion portion to be either in a lockedorientation wherein the expansion portion is maintained in the expandedposition or an unlocked orientation wherein the expansion portion isgenerally allowed to move into a retracted position.

In some embodiments, the inner support is configured to be selectivelyslidably moved relative to the outer support when the expansion portionis in an unlocked orientation. In other embodiments, the inner supportis configured to be generally stationary relative to the outer supportwhen the expansion portion is in a locked orientation. In somearrangements, the method of adjusting the vertical position of a bicyclesaddle further includes the steps of securing the outer portion of theseat post assembly to a bicycle frame and securing the inner portion ofthe seat post assembly to a bicycle saddle. In one embodiment, themethod further comprises selectively raising the bicycle saddle relativeto the bicycle frame by reducing a weight or other downward forces onthe bicycle saddle, and moving the actuator so that the expansionportion is in the unlocked orientation, or selectively lowering thebicycle saddle relative to the bicycle frame by exerting weight and/orother downward forces on the bicycle saddle and moving the actuator sothat the expansion portion is in an unlocked orientation. In somearrangements, the method of adjusting the vertical position of a bicyclesaddle further includes maintaining a selected vertical position of thebicycle saddle by moving the actuator so that the expansion portion isin a locked orientation.

In some arrangements, the expansion portion comprises a slotted collet,another type of collet or some other expandable member. In oneembodiment, the actuator includes a connector (e.g., cable, rod, otheractuator, etc.) and a lever, the lever being operatively connected tothe connector. In some embodiments, selectively raising or lowering thebicycle saddle comprises moving the lever from a first position to asecond position, against a resilient force. In other embodiments,maintaining a selected position comprises releasing the lever so thatthe lever moves to the first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinventions are described with reference to drawings of certain preferredembodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, thepresent inventions. The drawings include seventeen (17) figures. It isto be understood that the attached drawings are for the purpose ofillustrating concepts of the present inventions and may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a bicycle comprising an adjustablesaddle post assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable saddle postassembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective, cross-sectional view of theadjustable saddle post of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adjustable saddle postassembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the adjustablesaddle post of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the inner support ofthe adjustable saddle post assembly of FIGS. 2-5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a collet configured for use inan adjustable saddle post assembly as disclosed herein according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate different cross-sectional views of the adjustablesaddle post assembly of FIG. 4 with the position of a retention assemblyrelative to a collet or other expandable portion being selectivelymodified;

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable assembly in aretracted position configured for use in the fork of a bicycle accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 9B illustrates the adjustable assembly of FIG. 9A in an expandedposition;

FIG. 9C illustrates the adjustable assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9Bpositioned within a leg of bicycle fork assembly according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adjustable assembly ofFIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of the adjustable assembly of FIGS. 9Aand 9B with certain components hidden for clarity;

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adjustable assemblyof FIGS. 9A and 9B with certain components hidden for clarity; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable assembly ofFIGS. 9A and 9B with certain components hidden for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This application is directed to a vertically-adjustable assembly for abicycle that is desirably configured to permit a user to selectivelyraise and/or lower a bicycle component or other portion of the bicycleeven while he or she is riding the bicycle. The adjustable assembly andthe various systems and features associated with it are described in thecontext of a bicycle saddle because they have particular utility in thiscontext. However, the adjustable post assembly and methods describedherein, as well as their various systems and features, can be used inother contexts as well, such as, for example, but without limitation,the front fork and handlebar area of a bicycle or any other portion of abicycle. For convenience, the adjustable assembly is described hereinwith specific reference to an adjustable seat post assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the seat post assembly 20 can include an innersupport 60 that is configured to be slidably moved relative to an outersupport 30. A bicycle saddle 16 (FIG. 1) or other seat member can beattached to an upper portion of the inner support 60 (e.g., saddle head62). In some embodiments, the outer support 30 is attached to thebicycle frame 14 (FIG. 1). Further, in other embodiments, the outersupport 30 can be permanently attached to or be made a part of thebicycle frame. Accordingly, vertical movement of the inner support 60relative to the outer support 30 can allow a seated occupant toselectively raise or lower the saddle as desired.

With continued reference to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2,the outer support 30 is configured to attach to the bicycle frame 14,while the inner support 60 is configured to attach to the saddle 16 orother seat member. As discussed, the outer support 30 can beincorporated into the bicycle frame. Alternatively, however, the outersupport 30 can be configured to attach to the saddle 16 or other seatmember and the inner support 60 can be configured to attach to thebicycle frame 14.

In addition, the seat post assembly 20 can be permanently or removablyattached to the bicycle frame 14 and/or the saddle 16, as desired orrequired. For example, the outer support 30 of the seat post assembly 20can be a part of the frame 14. In one arrangement, the seat postassembly 10 is secured to the bicycle frame 14 using a clamping device,a mechanical fastener and/or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer support 30 can include a seal headportion 32 at or near its upper end. The seal head portion 32 can beadvantageously configured to prevent fluids, solids (e.g., dust) or anyother materials from entering the interior of the outer support 30and/or inner support 60. In addition, as discussed in greater detailherein, the seal head portion 32 can help prevent air or other fluidsfrom escaping a chamber 58 or other internal portion of the seat postassembly 20. In some embodiments, the seal head portion 32 comprises acircumferential wiper 36 that generally abuts and contacts an outersurface of the inner support 60. The wiper 36 can comprise one or moreelastomeric (e.g., rubber), thermoplastic or other flexible, rigid orsemi-rigid or materials.

In the depicted arrangement, the wiper 36 comprises a lip portion 37 orother member that is resiliently biased toward an outer surface of theinner support 60. As a result of such a design, the likelihood offluids, solids and/or other materials leaking or otherwise escaping thespace between the inner support 60 and outer support 30 is reduced. Inaddition, one or more other sealing members can be used to prevent orminimize fluids and/or other materials from entering or leaving aninterior of the seat post assembly 20 through the seal head portion 32,either in lieu of or in addition to the wiper 36. For example, the sealhead portion 32 can comprise one or more O-rings 38, 39 or other sealingmembers, as desired or required.

With reference to the cross-sectional views illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5, the outer support 30 can comprise a plurality of circumferentialgrooves 40, recesses or other features along its interior surface. Asdiscussed in greater detail herein, the grooves 40 along the interior ofthe outer support 30 are preferably sized, shaped and otherwise adaptedto be engaged by a collet or other expandable portion of the innersupport 60. In the depicted arrangement, the outer support 30 includes atotal of eight grooves 40 that are situated immediately adjacent to eachother. In addition, each of the illustrated grooves 40 can include anidentical or substantially identical curved shape. However, in otherembodiments, the quantity, size, shape, spacing, location and/or otherdetails of the grooves 40 can vary, as desired or required by aparticular application or use. For example, the radius of curvature ofthe grooves 40 can be greater or less than illustrated herein. Inaddition, the grooves 40 can extend along a greater or lesser portion ofthe interior of the outer support 30.

The outer support 30, the inner support 60 and/or any other portion ofthe seat post assembly 20 can comprise one or more materials, such as,for example, aluminum, titanium, steel, other metals or alloys, carbonfiber, thermoplastics and/or the like. Regardless of the exact materialsor combination of materials used, the outer and inner supports 30, 60are preferably designed to withstand the various forces, moments andother stresses to which they may be subjected. The grooves 40 along theinterior of the outer support 30 and/or any other feature along theinside or outside of the outer or inner supports 30, 60 can be formed atthe same time that such supports are manufactured. Alternatively, thegrooves 40 or any other feature can be machined or otherwise formedsubsequent to the manufacture of the supports 30, 60 using one or moreforming methods.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the lower portion of the outersupport 30 can include a pad 44 or other bottom portion that preventsthe inner support 60 from being lowered beyond a desired thresholdlocation. As shown, the lower portion of the outer support 30 can alsoinclude a lower groove 42, which the collet 70 or other expandableportion of the inner support 60 can generally engage when the innersupport 60 is moved to or near such lower threshold position or otherlowest setting relative to the outer support 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lower portion of the outer support 30 cancomprise a spring or air plug assembly 50. In some embodiments, the airplug assembly 50 is situated below the pad 44 or other portion or memberwhich vertically restricts the further lowering of the inner support 60within the outer support 30. The air plug assembly 50 can be configuredto maintain a volume of pressurized air or other fluid within theinterior of the outer support 30. For example, in the depictedarrangement, the air plug assembly 50 extends across the entirecross-sectional area of the outer support 30. One or more O-rings 56 orother sealing members can be generally positioned between thecircumferential edges of the air plug assembly 50 and the interior wallof the outer support 30 to help maintain air or other fluids within theinterior of the outer support 30. Further, a seal head portion 32 canalso help maintain a desired air spring.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the air plug assembly 50 can includea Schrader valve 54 or other air regulating device. The Schrader valve54 or other type of valve can be configured to permit a user to injectair or other fluids within the cavity 58 in the outer support formedabove the air plug assembly 50. As discussed in greater detail herein,the cavity 58 can be pressured using air or other fluids in order tocreate an air spring that effectively exerts a force on the innersupport 60 (e.g., the portions of the inner support 60 that areimmediately adjacent to the cavity 58). In the illustrated embodiment,the Schrader valve is accessible from the bottom, open end of the outersupport 30. However, in other arrangements, the Schrader valve or anyother type of valve can be positioned along a different part of the seatpost assembly 20. Further, a coiled spring, a different type ofresilient member or another type of device or method can be used toexert a force on the inner support 60, either in lieu of or in additionto an air spring.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the adjustable seat post assembly 20 cancomprise an inner support 60 that is slidably positioned relative to theouter support 30. In some embodiments, as illustrated herein, the outerand inner supports 30, 60 comprise generally hollow, cylindrical tubeshapes. However, in other arrangements, the shape, size, thicknessand/or other details of the support 30, 60 can vary, as desired orrequired. In the depicted arrangement, the inner support is configuredto be placed within the top end of the outer support 30. However, asdiscussed herein, the seat post assembly 20 can be differentlyconfigured so that the positions of the inner support 60 and the outersupport 30 can be reversed (e.g., the inner support can be placed withina bottom end outer support).

With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner support 60 caninclude a collet or other expandable portion 70 along its lower end. Theexpandable portion 70 can comprise a slotted collet, another type ofresilient member or other nonresilient expandable member. In thedepicted embodiment, the expandable portion 70 is a separate member thatis secured to the inner support 60. The expandable portion 70 and theadjacent surfaces of the inner support 60 can be machined to include oneor more features (e.g., grooves, other recesses, protrusions, etc.) thatcan be used to mechanically engage each other. Alternatively, theexpandable portion 70 and the inner support 60 can be connected usingone or more other attachment devices or methods, such as, for example,tabs, screws, welds, rivets, fasteners, flanges, adhesives, friction-fitconnections and/or the like. In other arrangements, the inner support 60is integrally formed with the expandable portion 70. In FIGS. 4 and 5,the collet 70 is generally secured at the end of the inner support 60.However, the collet 70 or other expandable portion can be positionedalong any other location of the inner support 60.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a collet 70adapted to be attached to the inner support 60 of the seat post assembly20. As shown, the collet 70 can include one or more slots 72 and/orother features that permit it to resiliently contract inwardly. In thedepicted arrangement, each of the slots 72 is vertically oriented andterminates at a circular opening 74 located along the collet body. Theslots 72 desirably divide the collet 70 into a series of collet sectionsor arms 75.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, the collet 70 can include aprojecting portion 76 that is configured to engage one of the grooves 40positioned along the interior wall of the outer support 30. However, oneor more other areas of the collet 70 or other expandable portion of theinner support 60 can be adapted to engage a groove 40 of the outersupport 30. In other embodiments, the collet 70 or other expandableportion is configured to engage an interior of the outer support 30along an area that does not include any grooves 40 or otherdistinguishing features (e.g., a generally smooth surface of theinternal surface of the outer support 30).

The quantity, size, shape, spacing and/or other details of the slots 72,openings 74, and/or arms 75 of the collet 70 can vary, as desired orrequired. For example, in some embodiments, the collet 70 may notinclude any slots or openings at all. Instead, the collet 70 can beconfigured so that one or more of its portions can be resilientlycontracted and expanded (e.g., circumferentially). Alternatively, theslots between certain collet arms could be very wide, such that there isa large angular portion of the circumference of the collet 70 which doesnot have a physical structure which mates with the grooves of the outersupport. Desirably, however, the arms define projecting portions whichextend at least 180 degrees, at least 240 degrees, at least 270 degrees,at least 300 degrees, at least 320 degrees and preferably substantiallyentirely around the 360 degree circumference of the collet.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the projecting portion 76 of the collet70 or other expandable portion of the inner support 60 can be shaped,sized and otherwise configured to match or substantially match the shapeof the grooves 40 positioned along the interior wall of the outersupport 30. Accordingly, the projecting portion 76 can generally snuglyengage one of the grooves when in its circumferentially expanded state.As discussed in greater detail herein, the projecting portion 76 of thecollet 70 can be selectively permitted to retract inwardly in order forthe collet 70 to engage a different groove 40 or other area along theinterior wall of the outer support 30. Consequently, the verticalposition of the inner support 60 can be selectively varied relative tothe outer support 30.

In certain arrangements, the collet 70 or other expandable portioncomprises spring steel and/or another resilient material. As isdiscussed in greater detail herein, the use of such materials permitsthe collet 70 or other expandable portion to retract and expand asdifferent portions of the contoured interior wall of the outer support30 are engaged. In one arrangement, the collet 70 is configured toremain in an expanded position (as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6) when noforces are acting on it.

The inner support 60 can include a retention assembly 80, which in someembodiments, is normally biased to at least partially fit within aninterior of the collet 70 or other expandable portion. In someembodiments, as discussed in greater detail herein, the retentionassembly 80 comprises a bearing portion 81 and a locking portion 90. Inother arrangements, however, the retention assembly 80 can include onlythe bearing portion 81 or only the locking portion 90. In addition, aretention assembly 80 can include one or more other portions or members,either in addition to or in lieu of the bearing portion 81 and/or thelocking portion 90. Regardless of its exact configuration, the retentionassembly 80 is preferably adapted to maintain the collet 70 or otherexpandable portion of the inner support 60 in an expanded position sothat the collet 70 or other expandable portion remains engaged to agroove 40 or other interior portion of the outer support 30. Asdiscussed in greater detail herein, this prevents relative movementbetween the inner support 60 and the outer support 30, therebymaintaining the vertical position of the bicycle saddle.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the bearing portion 81 can comprise agenerally tubular upper portion and a circumferentially enlarged lowerportion 82. In some arrangements, the enlarged lower portion 82 includesa tapered outer surface 83 that is sized, shaped, sloped and otherwiseconfigured to correspond and generally mate with an adjacent taperedinner surface 77 along the projecting portion of the collet 70 when theenlarged lower portion 82 is resiliently biased thereagainst. Anexploded view of one embodiment of an inner support 60 comprising aretention assembly 80 is illustrated in FIG. 6.

According to some embodiments, the inner support 60 includes one or morecoil springs or other biasing members that help urge the retentionassembly 80 (e.g., the bearing portion 81, the locking portion 90, etc.)toward the interior of the collet 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, aspring housing 86 or another similar member (e.g., plate, other abuttingsurface, etc.) can be used to maintain a desired biasing force againstthe bearing portion 81 of the retention assembly 80. As is discussed ingreater detail herein, the bearing portion 81 and/or any other portionof the retention assembly 80 can be selectively moved against thebiasing force of one or more springs 88 or other resilient members inorder to move the enlarged lower portion 82 of the bearing portion 81and/or any other portion of the retention assembly 80 upwardly,generally out of the interior of the projecting portion 76 of the collet70 or other expandable portion of the inner support 60. This canadvantageously permit the projecting portion 76 of the collet 70 to beretracted when a sufficiently large upwardly or downwardly force isapplied to the inner support 60. Consequently, the inner support 60 canbe slidably moved relative to the outer support 30. Thus, the verticalposition of a saddle or other seating member attached to the innersupport 60 can be selectively changed.

As discussed, the retention assembly 80 can help to maintain or “lock”the projecting portion 76 of the collet 70 in its normally expandedstate to prevent relative movement between the outer and inner supports30, 60. To further ensure that the projecting portion 76 remainsexpanded, the retention assembly 80 can include a locking portion 90 orother similar portion, feature or device. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5, the locking portion 90 is generally positioned underneathand immediately adjacent to the bearing portion 81. As shown, thelocking portion 90 can be slidably positioned with a center cavity ofthe bearing portion 81. In other arrangements, however, the relativeposition of the bearing portion 81 and the locking portion 90, themanner in which such components interact and/or other details of thesecomponents can vary, as desired or required.

Similar to the bearing portion 81, the locking portion 90 can beresiliently biased toward an interior portion of the projecting portion76 of the collet 70 using one or more coil springs 94 or other resilientmembers. For example, as shown, a spring 94 can be positioned within aninterior cavity portion of the bearing portion 81 so that it exerts adownwardly-directed force on the locking portion 90. In the illustratedarrangement, the locking portion 90 is configured to contact theenlarged lower portion 82 of the bearing portion 81 if it is movedsufficiently far against the urging force of the spring 94 (e.g.,upwardly as depicted). Therefore, in order to move the lower portion 82of the bearing portion 81 out of the projecting portion 76 of the collet70, the locking portion 90 is moved (e.g., upwardly as illustrated inFIG. 5) until it contacts the enlarged lower portion 82 of the bearingportion 81. Then, the continued movement of the locking portion 90 willcause the locking portion 90 and bearing portion 81 to simultaneouslymove against the biasing force of one or more springs 88, 94. If theretention assembly 80 (e.g., the locking portion 90, the bearing portion81, etc.) are moved far enough away from the interior of the projectingportion 76 of the collet 70 (or other expandable portion), the collet 70can be allowed to retract inwardly so that the inner support 60 may bemoved relative to the outer support 30.

Although in the embodiments illustrated and discussed herein theretention assembly 80 includes a bearing portion 81 and a lockingportion 90, it will be appreciated that the retention assembly 80 mayonly have a bearing portion 81 or similar device to prevent the collet70 or other expandable portion of the inner support 60 from retractinginwardly. Alternatively, the retention assembly 80 may only include alocking portion 90 and no bearing portion 81. However, in someembodiments, the use of an expanding portion or other portion havingsloped exterior surfaces, such as, for example, the bearing portion 81,is preferred, because such a portion helps ensure that the secure matingof the collet 70 with the grooves, despite wear or manufacturing. Inaddition, in other arrangements, the adjustable post assembly 20 cancomprise a completely different method of ensuring that the collet 70 orother expandable portion of the inner support 60 remains engaged with agroove 40 or other portion of the outer support. For example, theretention assembly 80 that is configured to maintain the collet 70 orother expandable portion of the inner support 60 can comprise a less ormore complicated design. In some embodiments, the retention assembly 80comprises only a single portion and/or component (e.g., a bearingportion 81, a locking portion, any other portion or member, etc.). Inother arrangements, the retention assembly 80 includes two, three, fouror more different portions and/or components.

In some embodiments, an actuation device or system can be used to movethe retention assembly 80 (e.g., the bearing portion 81, the lockingportion 90, etc.) and/or any other portion of the seat post assembly 20.With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a cable 100, rod, connector or othermovable portion that extends through the interior of the inner support60 is operatively connected to a cable lock member 92 situated below thebearing portion 81 and the locking portion 90. In the illustratedarrangement, the cable lock member 92 is secured to the adjacent lockingportion 90 using one or more connection devices or methods, such as, forexample, threaded fasteners, rivets, other type of fasteners, welds,pins, adhesives and/or the like. Alternatively, the cable lock member 92can be attached to the bearing portion 81 and/or any other portion ofthe retention assembly 80, either in addition to or in lieu of simplybeing attached to the locking portion 90.

With continued reference to the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5,the cable 100, rod, connector or other movable member can be insertedwithin a passage of the cable lock member 92. Further, the cable 100 canbe secured to the cable lock member 92 by inserting and tightening a setscrew or other fastener within one or more lateral openings 94. However,one or more alternative devices or methods may be used to secure thecable 100 to the cable lock member 92. The cable 100, rod, connector orother movable member preferably comprises one or more durable materialsconfigured to withstand the forces and stresses to which it may beexposed during use of the adjustable seat post assembly 20. Forinstance, the cable 100 can comprise one or more metals (e.g., steel),thermoplastics, composites and/or the like.

In the embodiments of the adjustable seat post assembly illustratedherein, the cable 100 is configured to be routed through or near theaxial center of the inner support 60. Accordingly, one or more of thecomponents of the inner support 60 may need to be configured toaccommodate the unobstructed passage of the cable therethrough. Asshown, for example, the upper cylindrical portion of the retentionassembly 80 (e.g., bearing portion 81, locking portion 90, etc.) caninclude an opening 84 through which the cable 100 is routed. Inaddition, the cable 100 can be routed through one or more othercomponents of the seat post assembly 20, including, but not limited to,springs 88, 94, the spring housing 86, the collet 70 or other expandableportion and/or the like.

In FIG. 4, the cable 100, rod or other movable member is attached to apull rod assembly 110 located at or near the upper end of the innersupport 60. As discussed herein with respect to the connection betweenthe cable 100 and the cable lock member 92, one or more devices ormethods can be used to secure the cable 100 to the pull rod assembly110. In some embodiments, a desired amount of tension can be maintainedin the cable 100 situated within the seat post assembly 20. In theillustrated arrangement, such tension in the cable 100 is created bypositioning a spring 118 or other resilient member between a topinterior surface of the inner support 60 and a spring plate 116 that isattached to the pull rod assembly 110. In turn, the pull rod assembly110 can be mechanically connected to another cable (not shown), rod orother member that is configured to operatively connect the pull rodassembly 110 and the cable 100 to a lever, switch, button and/or otheractuation device. In some embodiments, such a lever or other actuationdevice is positioned at or near the handlebar area of a bicycle topermit a user to conveniently manipulate the seat post assembly.Alternatively, the pull rod assembly 110 and the cable 100 can beoperatively connected to a lever or other actuation device located at adifferent location of the bicycle (e.g., underneath the saddle, alongone or more of the frame members, etc.).

As discussed, when the cable 100 is retracted from its resting position(e.g., moved upwardly as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5), a retentionassembly 80 (e.g., the bearing portion 80, the locking portion 90 and/orany other portions or components of the retention assembly 80) may bemoved away from the interior of the projecting portion 76 of the collet70 or other expandable portion formed with or attached to the innersupport 60. Consequently, the collet 70 or other expandable member canbe permitted to retract inwardly so that its projecting portion 76 canselectively engage another groove 40 or another interior surface of theinner support 60. Likewise, when the cable 100 is permitted toresiliently revert to its resting position (e.g., with the assistance ofone or more springs 88, 94, 118 or other biasing members), the retentionassembly 80 can move within the interior of the projecting portion ofthe collet 70, thereby restricting or limiting the collet's ability toretract inwardly. As discussed in greater detail herein, this can helpprevent or reduce relative movement between the outer support 30 and theinner support 60.

In use, air or other fluids may be injected into the outer support 30through the Schrader valve 54 using a pump or some other fluid deliverydevice. The amount of air or other fluid that is placed within theair-tight or substantially air-right chamber 58 of the outer support 30will determine the magnitude of the air spring that tends to urge theinner support 60 generally away (e.g., upwardly, in a directionrepresented by arrow 59 in the illustrated embodiments) from the outersupport 30. As discussed, in other arrangements, the adjustable seatpost assembly 20 can include one or more springs or other biasingmembers to help urge the inner support 60 generally away from the outersupport 30, either in lieu of or in addition to the air spring disclosedherein.

Once a desired volume of air or fluid has been injected into the chamber58 of the outer support 30 or a desired fluid pressure has been attainedtherein, the seat post assembly 20 can be secured to the frame 14 andsaddle 16 of the bicycle 10 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the outersupport 30 can be inserted into a hollow member of the bicycle frame 14which is sized, shaped and otherwise configured to receive the outersupport 30. In such arrangements, the outer support 30 or other portionof the seat post assembly 20 can be secured to the frame 14 using aclamping device (not shown), fasteners and/or any other device ormethod. Alternatively, the outer support 30 can even be a part of thebicycle frame 14 structure itself.

Further, a saddle 16 can be secured to the saddle head 62 of the innersupport 60. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the saddle head 62 can beconfigured to receive a standard or non-standard saddle. In someembodiments, the bicycle additionally comprises an exterior cable orother member that operatively connects a lever or other actuation deviceto the cable 100 situated within the inner support 60. As discussed,such a lever or other actuation device can be conveniently placed on ornear the handlebar area of the bicycle. Alternatively, the lever orother actuation device can be placed underneath or near the saddle oralong any other portion of the bicycle.

The adjustable seat post assembly 20 advantageously permits a user tochange the vertical position of the bicycle saddle, even while thebicycle is being ridden. As discussed with reference to the variousembodiments disclosed herein, this can be accomplished by slidablymoving the inner support 60 relative to the outer support 30 of theadjustable seat post assembly 20. Additional details of one embodimentof how the supports 30, 60 are permitted to slidably move relative toeach other are provided herein in relation to FIGS. 8A-8C.

With particular reference to FIG. 8A, an adjustable seat post assembly20 can comprise an inner support 60 having a collet 70 or otherexpandable portion that is configured to engage a groove 40 or anotherportion of the interior wall of the outer support 30 when the collet 70is in an expanded position. As discussed, the collet 70 or otherexpandable portion of the inner support 60 can comprise spring metaland/or one or more other resilient materials in order to allow thecollet 70 to expand and retract as desired. Further, the collet 70 orother expandable portion can include one or more slots 72, openings 74and/or other features to further enhance its resilient properties. Inone embodiment, the collet 70 is configured to remain in an expandedposition when no or substantially no forces are acting on it. Thus, asillustrated in FIG. 8A, the projecting portion 76 of the collet 70 orother expandable portion can normally engage a groove 40 or anothersurface of the interior wall of the outer support 30.

As discussed in greater detail herein, retraction (e.g., inwardly) ofthe collet 70 or other expandable portion can be prevented or limitedwhen a retention assembly 80 is positioned within an interior portion ofthe projecting portion 76 of the collet 70. In some embodiments, theretention assembly 80 comprises a bearing portion 81. In otherarrangements, the retention assembly 80 of the seat post assembly 20 canadditionally include a locking portion 90 or any other device that canfurther ensure that the collet 70 or other expandable portion issubstantially locked or otherwise remains in an expanded state. Thus,the collet 70 is generally not permitted to retract inwardly and remainsengaged to the groove 40 or other interior surface of the outer support30. Accordingly, the inner support 60 is not permitted no slidably moverelative to the outer support 30.

According to some embodiments, in order to vary the vertical position ofthe bicycle saddle, a rider can manipulate a lever or other actuationdevice (not shown) that is operatively connected to the cable 100, rod,connector or other movable member of the seat post assembly 20. Movementof the cable 100 in the general direction represented by arrow 102 cancause the locking portion 90 of the retention assembly 80 to moveupwardly toward the bearing portion 81. As discussed, the retentionassembly 80 need not include both the bearing portion and the lockingportion 90. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8B, the cable 100 hasbeen moved sufficiently far along direction 102 so that the lockingportion 90 contacts the lower surface of the bearing portion 81. Theadjacent surfaces of the locking portion 90 and the bearing portion 81can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to generally accommodateeach other when in mating contact. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 8B,movement of the cable 100 can help move the locking portion 90 away fromthe inner surfaces 77 of the collet's projecting portion 76.

FIG. 8C illustrates the seat post assembly 20 of FIGS. 8A and 8B, withthe entire retention assembly 80 (e.g., the locking portion 90, thebearing portion 81, etc.) having been moved upwardly, partially awayfrom the interior of the projecting portion 76 of the collet 70 or otherexpandable portion. In some embodiments, the retention assembly 80 ismoved in such a manner by the continued movement of the cable 100, rodor other movable member (e.g., in a direction generally represented byarrow 102). In the depicted arrangement, the retention assembly 80 hasbeen moved far enough away from the interior of the projecting portion76 such that the collet 70 or other expandable portion can be allowed toretract inwardly. In some embodiments, the position of the retentionassembly 80 relative to the collet 70 can be maintained as long as thelever or other actuation device is being manipulated (e.g., depressed,pulled, etc.). Accordingly, the release of the lever or other actuationdevice can permit the cable 100 to be resiliently biased toward itsoriginal position, such that the locking portion 90, the bearing portion81 and/or any other portion or component of the retention assembly 80come to rest within the projecting portion 76 of the collet 70 (as shownin FIG. 8A). As discussed, this can once again prevent the collet 70 orother expandable portion from retracting inwardly, effectively lockingthe inner support 60 relative to the outer support 30.

With the retention assembly 80 having been moved away from the interiorof the projecting portion 76, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 8C,the collet 70 or other expandable portion can retract to allow the innersupport 60 to move relative to the outer support 30.

In one embodiment, the fluid pressure within the chamber 58 of the outersupport 30 can be configured to exert a force against the inner support60 (e.g., in a direction generally represented in FIG. 8C by arrow 59).Accordingly, if the pressure within the chamber 58 is sufficiently highand the collet 70 or other expandable portion is permitted to retractinwardly, the inner support 60 can be moved upwardly relative to theouter support 30. As discussed, a coil spring or any other biasingdevice or method can be used to generate a force on the inner support 60relative to the outer support 30, either in lieu of or in addition tothe air spring disclosed herein.

Regardless of the exact manner in which a resilient force on the innersupport 60 is created, a user can selectively raise the verticalposition of the saddle by eliminating or reducing any downwardlydirected forces on the saddle (e.g., shifting his or her weight from thesaddle to the pedals) and causing the cable 100, rod, connector or othermovable member to move in a direction generally represented by arrow 102in FIG. 8C (e.g., by moving a lever or other actuation device). Asdiscussed, such a movement of the cable 100 can permit the collet 70 orother expandable portion of the inner support 60 to be retractedinwardly. If the force created by the air spring or other resilientmember is sufficiently high, the collet 70 or other expandable portionwill move (e.g., upwardly in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C)relative to the outer support 30.

In arrangements where the collet 70 is configured to engage one of aplurality of grooves 40 or other features positioned along the interiorsurface of the outer support 30, the collet 70 may retract inwardly inorder to move past the ridges 41 or other features that separateadjacent grooves 40. As the collet 70 or other expandable portion ismoved upwardly, it will engage a different groove or other interiorportion of the outer support 30. In will be appreciated that the rate atwhich the collet 70 or other expandable portion is moved relative to theouter support 30 can be varied depending on the magnitude of the forcecreated by an air spring or other resilient member, the magnitude of anycountering force exerted on the inner support 60 (e.g., weight of theinner support 30, saddle and the like, the weight or other downwardlydirected force exerted on the saddle by a rider, etc.), the frictionalforces between adjacent surfaces of the collet 70 and the grooves 40 orother interior area of the outer support 30, the rate at which thecollet 70 or other expandable portion flexes (e.g., retracts andexpands) and/or the like.

In some arrangements, the collet 70 or other expandable portion, as wellas the inner support 30 and the saddle to which the collet 70 isattached, will continue to be raised to engage increasingly highergrooves or other interior locations of the outer support 30. Once adesired vertical position has been achieved, the user can allow thecable 100 to return to its original position (e.g., by releasing thelever or otherwise manipulating another actuation device). For example,in one embodiment, releasing a lever causes a spring 118 or otherbiasing member (FIG. 4) to move the pull rod assembly 110 downwardly.Consequently, the cable 100 that is operatively connected to the pullrod assembly 110 will also move downwardly. This can allow the retentionassembly 80 (e.g., the bearing portion 81, the locking portion 90, etc.)to once again engage an interior portion of the projecting portion 76 ofthe collet 70 or other expandable portion of the inner support 60, asillustrated in FIG. 8A. This can prevent the collet 70 from beingretracted inwardly, effectively causing it to remain within theparticular groove 40 to which it is engaged.

According to some embodiments, in order to lower the vertical positionof the saddle, a user can manipulate a lever or another actuator so thatthe cable 100, rod or other movable member moves in a directiongenerally represented by arrow 102, as discussed above with reference toFIGS. 8B and 8C. Consequently, the retention assembly 80 can move awayfrom the interior of the projecting portion 76 of the collet 70 or otherexpandable portion attached to or integrally formed with the innersupport 60. Thus, the collet 70 or other expandable portion can bepermitted to retract inwardly so it can be selectively moved to a lowergroove 40 or other interior portion of the outer support 30.

For example, in some arrangements, once the bearing portion 81, thelocking portion 90 and/or any other portion or component of theretention assembly 80 have been moved far enough away from the interiorof the projecting portion 76 of the collet 70, the user can shift his orher weight (generally represented by arrow W in FIG. 8C) to the saddleor otherwise apply a downwardly directed force on the inner support 60.As discussed herein with respect to raising the vertical position of thesaddle, the collet 70 or other expandable portion can retract inwardlyso that the projecting portion is able to move over the ridges 41 orother portions situated between adjacent grooves 40 along the interiorwall of the outer support 30. Accordingly, the collet 70 or otherexpandable portion can engage a lower groove 40 or other portion of theouter support 30, effectively lowering the vertical position of thesaddle which is attached to the inner support 60. When a desiredvertical location has been achieved, the user may release the lever orother actuation device to effectively prevent further movement of theinner support 60 relative to the inner support 30.

In the examples of changing the vertical position of the saddle providedherein, there are various forces and other factors that can helpdetermine in what direction (and at what rate) the inner support 60 willmove relative to the outer support 30. As discussed, some of these mayinclude the upwardly-directed force created by the air spring or otherbiasing member, the weight W or other downwardly-directed force appliedto the saddle (and thus, the inner support 60) by a user, the weight ofthe inner support 60, saddle and/or other components of the seat postassembly 20, the frictional forces between adjacent surfaces that areintended to move relative to each other (e.g., the outer surface of thecollet 70 and the interior surfaces of the outer support 30), theresilient characteristics of the collet 70 or other expandable portionand/or the like. It will be appreciated, that the adjustable seat postassembly can be modified so that one or more other forces or factors canaffect the movement of the inner support 60 relative to the outersupport 30, either in lieu of or in addition to those discussed herein.

Embodiments of the adjustable seat post assembly 20 that comprise aplurality of grooves 40 or other engaging recesses or features along theinterior of the outer support 30 can provide additional advantages. Forexample, as the collet 70 or other expandable portion of the innersupport 30 is moved relative to the outer support 30, the collet 70 canengage one of a number of grooves 40 or other stations. The movement ofthe collet 70 or other expandable portion between distinct higher orlower grooves 40 or stations can permit a user to more accurately assessthe current vertical position of the saddle and to more precisely selecta desired vertical setting for the saddle.

In some arrangements, the movement of the collet 70 or other expandableportion relative to the grooves 40 or stations generates a snap fit orother positive engagement. Thus, the movement of the collet 70 betweenadjacent (e.g., higher or lower) grooves 40 or stations can be felt orotherwise sensed by the user. For example, the seat post assembly 20 canbe configured so that such movement between the outer and inner supports30, 60 creates a tactile response that can be perceived by the user. Inother embodiments, the movement of the collet 70 or other expandableportion between distinct grooves 40 or stations can create an audibleresponse (e.g., click or snap sound) that may be perceived by the user,either in lieu of or in addition to any tactile response.

Accordingly, in such embodiments where a collet 70 or other expandableportion of the inner support 60 is configured to move between and engagedistinct grooves 40 or stations of the outer support 30, a user may findit easier to choose a desired vertical position for the bicycle saddle.By way of example, a user may determine that a desired vertical changein saddle position between a particular uphill slope and a particulardownhill slope requires the collet to be lowered by one, two, three,four or more groove locations. Consequently, the inclusion of tactileand/or audible response features in the seat post assembly 20 can bebeneficial to a rider.

Further, as discussed, the expandable portion 70 of the inner support 60can comprise a different design or configuration than discussed andillustrated herein. In some embodiments, the expandable portion 70comprises a balloon or other inflatable portion that is configured to beselectively inflated or deflated in order to engage or disengage theinterior wall of the outer support 30. In the embodiments disclosedherein, the inner support 60 or other member that comprises a collet 70or other expandable portion is configured to be attached to the bicyclesaddle. Further, the outer support 30 is configured to be attached tothe bicycle frame. However, in other embodiments, the configuration ofthe adjustable seat post assembly can be modified so that the innersupport 60 can be attached to the frame and the outer support 30 can beattached to the saddle. In such an arrangement, the seat post assemblycan be effectively reversed so that the inner support 60 is generallybelow the outer support 30. It will be appreciated that the seat postassembly can be modified to include one or more other features orcharacteristics, either in lieu of or in addition to those illustratedand discussed herein.

As discussed, the seat post assembly 20 can be operatively connected toa lever or other actuation device to permit a user to control thefunction of the system. In some embodiments, such a lever or otheractuation device is located at or near the handlebar area of thebicycle. This can allow a user to conveniently and safely modify thevertical location of the saddle even when the bicycle is being ridden.Alternatively, the lever or other actuation device can be positionednear the seat post assembly (e.g., at or near the bottom of the saddle)or at any other location of the bicycle. Regardless of the exactposition of the lever or other actuation device, the seat post assemblycan be adjusted before a user begins riding the bicycle or after he orshe has begun doing so.

In some arrangements, the adjustable seat post assembly 20 ispermanently affixed to a bicycle frame (e.g., the outer support or theinner support is permanently attached to the frame or is incorporatedinto the frame). Alternatively, the seat post assembly 20 can beconfigured to be selectively removed and/or replaced to the bicycleframe, as desired or required. In addition, adjustable seat postassemblies, such as those disclosed herein or equivalents thereof can beused on any type of bicycle, including, mountain bikes, road bikesand/or the like.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an embodiment of a vertically-adjustableassembly 220 configured for use in a fork assembly of a bicycle. Onearrangement of a bicycle fork 300 that is configured to receive such anadjustable assembly 220 is illustrated in FIG. 9C. As shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B, the vertically-adjustable assembly 220 can include an upperportion 262 and a lower portion 263.

As shown in FIG. 9C, the adjustable assembly 220 can be positionedwithin the upper fork leg 310 of a bicycle fork 300. As discussed ingreater detail herein, the assembly 220 can advantageously permit theoverall length of the fork to be selectively modified as desired by auser. For example, when a rider is climbing an incline, he or she maychoose to shorten the length of the fork in order to reduce thelikelihood that the front of the bike will raise up into “a wheelie”position or flip over backwards due to pedal forces. Likewise, when arider is descending down a hill, he or she may choose to increase thelength of the fork in order to shift weight away from the front of thebicycle. This can help reduce the likelihood that the bicycle will flipover forwards due to the center of gravity of the rider on descent.

With continued reference to FIG. 9C, the adjustable assembly 220 ispositioned along the upper fork leg 310 of the bicycle fork 300.However, in other arrangements, the assembly 220 can be attached of thelower fork leg 350 or any other portion of the bicycle fork assembly.Further, in FIG. 9C, the adjustable assembly 220 is positioned onlywithin one of the fork legs 306. However, in other arrangements, anadjustable assembly 220 can be positioned only within the other fork leg308 or both fork legs 306, 308.

As discussed, such an adjustable assembly 220 can be modified to be usedin one or more other portions of the bicycle to selectively modify thevertical, horizontal or other position of one or more components orportions of the bicycle. For example, an adjustable assembly can bepositioned within the head tube of the bicycle to modify the verticalposition of the handlebar assembly. In addition, discussed herein, thevertically-adjustable assembly 220 can be differently configured toattach to one or more other portions of a bicycle, such as, for example,a seat post assembly.

FIG. 9B illustrates the assembly 220 of FIG. 9A in an extended position.As discussed in reference to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2-8Cabove, the assembly 200 can include two supports 230, 260 that areconfigured to slidably move relative to each other. As a result, suchrelative movement can modify the vertical position of one or morecomponents or systems to which the vertically-adjustable assembly 220 ismechanically connected. For example, the relative movement of thesupports 230, 260 can allow a user to selectively change the effectivelength of the legs 306, 308 of the fork assembly 300. In someembodiments, the assembly 220 includes a seal head 232 that helps form arelatively tight seal between the two supports 230, 260.

According to some arrangements, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, thevertically-adjustable assembly 220 can be positioned with the upper forkleg 310 of the bicycle fork 300. Thus, as shown, the outer support 230of the assembly 220 may be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to fitwithin upper fork leg 310. As discussed in greater detail herein, insome embodiments, the adjustable assembly 220 is configured to freelyslide within the upper fork leg 310 or any other support or member intowhich it is positioned. Accordingly, one or more slide rings 231 orother members configured to facilitate such movements can be positionedalong the outside of the adjustable assembly 220.

Vertically-adjustable assemblies 220 such as those discussed and/orillustrated herein, can be included as an original component (e.g., forkassembly, seat post assembly, etc.) of a bicycle. Alternatively, theycould be after-market items that replace one or more original bicyclecomponents.

The structural differences between the adjustable assembly of FIGS. 9Aand 9B and the embodiment of FIGS. 2-8C are discussed below. Withreference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, the interior wall ofthe outer support 230 includes a plurality of grooves 240. As discussedin greater detail herein with reference to other embodiments, thesegrooves 240 can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to engage anouter surface of a collet 270 or other expansion portion of the innersupport 230. Accordingly, the relative position of the inner and outersupports 260, 230 can be selectively fixed at certain distinctlocations. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the outer support230 includes a total of three grooves 240 along its interior wall. Inone embodiment, the distance separating the upper most and lower mostgrooves is approximately 33 mm (˜1.3 inches). However, it will beappreciated, that an outer support 230 can include more or fewer grooves240 and/or the distance separating the grooves can be greater or smallerthan approximately 33 mm, as desired or required for a particularapplication or use.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, an interior space of the outersupport 230 can comprise a chamber 258 or other cavity, which may beselectively pressurized to create an upwardly force (e.g., generallyrepresented by arrows 259 in FIG. 10). As discussed, such an upwardlyforce can help urge the inner support 260 upwardly, generally away fromthe lower portion 263 of the assembly 220. This effectively extends thevertical length of the assembly 220, thereby allowing the verticalposition of one or more components (e.g., piston rod 324, etc.) to bemodified.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, air or other fluid can beinjected into the chamber 258 of the outer support 230 through an airplug assembly 250 located near the upper portion 262 of the assembly220. As shown, the air plug assembly 250 can comprise a Schrader valve254 or another type of valve that permits air or other fluids to bedelivered to the chamber 258 through an upper tube assembly 251 and alower tube assembly 218. It will be appreciated that other methods ordevices can be used to help provide a pressurized chamber 258 within theouter support 230. In other arrangements, one or more springs or otherbiasing members can be used to help urge the inner support 260 away fromthe outer support 230, either in lieu of or in addition to the airspring created within the chamber 258. The air plug assembly 250 can beprotected by a cap 222 or other cover. Thus, a user may have to removesuch a cap 222 in order to transfer air or other fluid into or out ofthe chamber 258.

The illustrated embodiment includes a similar interaction between aretention assembly 280 and collet 270 as discussed in greater detailherein with reference to the seat post assembly. Thus, in someembodiments, under normal conditions, the bearing portion 281 and thelocking portion 290 of the retention member 280 are biased or otherwisesecured within a lower portion of the collet 270 or other expansionportion. Consequently, the collet 270 is securely positioned within agroove 240 of the outer support 230. This prevents relative movementbetween the outer and inner supports 230, 260 and the components towhich they are attached.

In order to allow the collet 270 to be retracted inwardly (e.g.,upwardly or downwardly away from the particular groove 240 in which itis positioned), the retention member 280 (e.g., the bearing portion 281,locking portion 290, etc.) need to be moved upwardly, out of theinterior of the collet 270, as generally discussed with reference toFIGS. 8A-8C above. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11B, springs 272, 274or other biasing members can be used to normally urge the bearingportion 281 and the locking portion 290 of the retention member 280within the interior of the collet 270.

Unlike the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2-8C, the vertically-adjustableassembly depicted in FIG. 10 does not include a cable. Instead, theretention member 280 is mechanically connected to the lower tubeassembly 218. Thus, by being rigid and hollow, such a lower tubeassembly 218 can be configured to both move the retention member 280 andprovide air or other fluid to the chamber 258 of the outer support 230.In a similar manner as discussed herein with respect to the seat postassembly, the lower tube assembly 218 can be selectively raised againstthe biasing force of the springs 272, 274 to move the retention memberout of the interior of the collet 270. As a result, the collet 270 canbe permitted to move to a different (e.g., higher or lower) groove 240along the interior of the outer support 230.

With reference back to FIG. 9C, the outer support 230 can be attached toa piston rod 324. As shown, the piston rod 324 can include a piston 326that is configured to move within the interior of a damper tube 332 of adamper 330. Such a configuration can be used to provide a desired levelof cushioning or damping to the front wheel of bicycle. Further, inorder for the suspension system to function properly, the fork leg 306can include a suspension spring 314 having an air spring chamber that isadapted to urge the upper fork leg 310 and the lower fork leg 350 awayfrom each other. In some embodiments, the damper 330 and its variouscomponents are included in a self-contained cartridge that can beconveniently positioned within the fork assembly. Additional informationregarding the piston rod 324, the piston 326, the damper, the suspensionspring and other components and features of the suspension fork isdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/134,116, filed Jun. 5,2008, titled BICYCLE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY and published as U.S.Publication No. 2009/0001684, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9C, the piston rod 324 isconnected to the outer support 230 of the adjustable assembly 220. Thus,relative movement between the inner support 260 and the outer support230 of the adjustable assembly 220 varies the effective length of thepiston rod 324. When the outer and inner supports 230, 260 are in anextended position relative to each other, the effective length of thepiston rod 324 is increased. As a result, the upper fork leg 310 movesupwardly relative to the lower fork leg 350 of the bicycle fork 300.Accordingly, the overall length (e.g., height) of the fork 300 isincreased, thereby causing the front end of the bicycle to be raised.Similarly, when the outer and inner support 230, 260 of the adjustableassembly 220 move closer together, the effective length of the pistonrod 324 can be decreased. This causes the upper fork leg 310 to movedownwardly relative to the lower fork leg 350. Consequently, the frontend of the bicycle can be selectively lowered.

According to some embodiments, the piston rod 324 is threaded orotherwise attached to the bottom of the outer support 230 of theadjustable assembly 220. However, in other arrangements the connectionbetween the piston rod 324 and the adjustable assembly 220 can bedifferent (e.g., more complex), as desired or required. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to control one or more valves or otherdevices positioned at or near the piston 326 and/or another component ordevice situated generally below the adjustable assembly 220. Forexample, the dampening effect of the damper 330 can be regulated bymanipulating a valve positioned at or near the piston 326. Asillustrated in FIG. 10, the piston rod 324 can be rotatably coupled to arod 252 that runs along the centerline of the adjustable assembly 220.As shown, the rod 252 is mechanically connected to the upper tubeassembly 251 using one or more couplings 253 or other joining devices.In order to vary the effective length of the piston rod 324 so that theoverall length of the fork assembly 300 can be modified, the rod 252 canbe configured to accommodate the slack that occurs when the outer andinner supports 230, 260 move relative to each other. For example, in oneembodiment, the rod is configured to move within a portion of the uppertube assembly 251, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, the upper tube assembly 251 and the rod eachinclude corresponding hexagonal, D-shaped or other cross sectionalshapes to ensure that they are rotatably coupled to each other. Inaddition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the bottom of the outer support 230of the adjustable assembly 220 can include a seal 255 through which therod 252 passes to engage the piston rod 324. Such a seal 255 ensuresthat the air spring within the chamber 258 of the outer support 230 isadequately maintained. With continued reference to FIG. 10, the uppertube assembly 251, and thus the rod 252, are rotatably coupled to adamper control knob 224 positioned near the top of the adjustableassembly 220. Thus, a user can actuate the knob to manipulate a dampervalve or other device positioned below the adjustable assembly 220.

In embodiments where control of a damper valve or other device is notdesired or necessary, the adjustable assembly 220 need not include a rod252, bottom seal 255 and/or other components described herein andillustrated in FIG. 10. In such arrangements, the piston rod 324 can bethreadably or otherwise attached to the bottom of the outer support 230of the adjustable assembly 220.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-12, thevertically-adjustable assembly 220 can include one or more rotatableknobs 226 that are used to selectively move the retention member 280into and out of the collet 270 or other expansion portion. For example,as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11B, knob 226 can bedirectly or indirectly attached (e.g., using bolts, other fasteners,etc.) to a connector 227 that is configured to rotate along with theknob 226.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, the connector 227 can include oneor more cammed surfaces 228 that are also configured to rotate when theknob 226 is manipulated. As best seen in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 11B, an upper end of the lower tube assembly 218 can include anouter flange 217 or other protruding feature that is sized, shaped andotherwise adapted to engage the cammed surfaces 228 of the connector227. Therefore, since the lower tube assembly 218 is operativelyconnected to the retention member 280, rotation of the knob 226 about acentral axis of the assembly 220 can cause the flange 217 to move alongthe slanted cammed surfaces 228 of the connector 227. Consequently, thevertical position of the retention member 280 can be advantageouslymodified.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, the cammed surfaces 228 of theconnector 227 can include lower and upper notches 229A, 229B, flatportions or other features that are designed to at least temporarilyprevent relative movement between the connector 227 and the lower tubeassembly 218. In some embodiments, such a temporary lock can be releasedby manipulating a second knob 224 or other actuation device of theassembly.

In use, whenever a user wishes to raise the front end of the bicycle, heor she can turn the knob 226 in order to move the retention member 280upwardly, generally away from the interior of the collet 270. As aresult, a user can allow an upwardly force (e.g., the air spring createdwithin the chamber 258 of the outer support) to help move the collet 270grooves 240. When a desired vertical position is achieved, the user canturn the knob 226 in the opposite direction, operate a different knob oractuation device and/or perform another necessary task to ensure thatthe retention member 280 once again is securely lowered within aninterior of the collet 270. Alternatively, if a user wishes to lower thefront end of the bicycle, he or she can exert a downward force (e.g., ina direction generally opposite of the air spring force) to move thecollet 270 to a lower groove 240.

As discussed, by modifying the relative position of the outer and innersupports 230, 260 of the adjustable assembly 220, the rider caneffectively change the length of the piston rod 324 to which the outersupport 230 is attached. Consequently, the relative position of theupper fork leg 310 can be modified relative to the lower fork leg 350.This allows the user to selectively alter the overall length of the forkassembly 300, and permits him or her to either raise or lower the frontend of the bicycle. As discussed, this can be particularly advantageouswhen riding the bicycle up or down an incline.

In some embodiments, the user manipulates a knob 226 as illustrated inFIG. 10 to modify the position of the adjustable assembly 220. However,in other arrangements, the position of the adjustable assembly 220 canbe controlled using a lever, knob or other actuation device positionedat or near the handlebars of the bicycle. This can permit a user toeasily and safely modify the position of the fork assembly 300 whileriding the bicycle without having to take him or her hands off thehandlebars.

Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments hasshown, described, and pointed out certain novel features, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions and/or changes in theform of the detail of the apparatus, device, system and/or method asillustrated, as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilledin the art without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.Consequently, the scope of the present inventions should not be limitedby the foregoing discussion, which is intended to illustrate rather thanlimit the scope of the inventions.

In addition, although this invention has been disclosed in the contextof certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the inventionshave been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of this inventions, will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or subcombinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within thescope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scopeof the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described and illustrated herein, butshould be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

1. An adjustable assembly for a bicycle, comprising: a first supporthaving an interior surface; a second support slidably positioned withinat least a portion of the first support; wherein one of the firstsupport and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycleportion, and wherein the other of the first support and the secondsupport is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion; wherein thesecond support comprises an expansion portion configured to be movedbetween an expanded position and a retracted position; and wherein theexpansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of thefirst support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position; andwherein the first support is configured to be selectively moved relativeto the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assumea retracted position.
 2. The adjustable assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycleportion comprises a bicycle saddle.
 3. The adjustable assembly of claim1, wherein the first bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly and thesecond bicycle portion comprises a handlebar assembly.
 4. The adjustableassembly of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the first supportcomprises a plurality of grooves, the expansion portion being configuredto engage one of said grooves when in an expanded position.
 5. Theadjustable assembly of claim 1, wherein the expansion portion comprisesa collet.
 6. The adjustable assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondsupport comprises a main body portion, and wherein the expansion portionis separately formed with the main body portion.
 7. The adjustableassembly of claim 1, wherein the expansion portion is integrally formedwith the second support.
 8. The adjustable assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a biasing assembly configured to urge the one of the firstsupport and the second support that is attached to the bicycle saddlerelative to the one of the first support and the second support that inattached to the bicycle frame.
 9. The adjustable assembly of claim 1,wherein the expansion portion is in an expanded position while in aresting state when no external forces are exerted on the expansionportion, such that the expansion portion normally engages one of thegrooves of the first support.
 10. The adjustable assembly of claim 1,wherein the expansion portion comprises a collet.
 11. The adjustableassembly of claim 1, wherein the first support and the second supportcomprise a generally tubular shape, and the grooves arecircumferentially located around the interior surface of the firstsupport.
 12. The adjustable assembly of claim 1, further comprising aretention assembly configured to slidably move at least partially withinor out of an interior space of the expansion portion, wherein theexpansion portion is generally not permitted to retract inwardly whenthe retention assembly is positioned within the interior space of theexpansion portion.
 13. The adjustable assembly of claim 12, wherein theretention assembly comprises a bearing portion, the bearing portionbeing configured to contact the expansion portion when positioned withinthe interior space of the expansion portion.
 14. The adjustable assemblyof claim 12, wherein the retention assembly is normally resilientlybiased at least partially within the interior space of the expansionportion.
 15. The adjustable assembly of claim 12, further comprising aconnector mechanically attached to the retention assembly, whereinmovement of the connector in a first direction moves the retentionassembly within the interior space of the expansion portion, andmovement of the connector in a second direction moves the retentionassembly out of the interior space of the expansion member, the seconddirection being generally opposite of the first direction.
 16. Theadjustable assembly of claim 15, wherein the connector is operativelyconnected to a lever configured to be manipulated while the bicycle isbeing ridden.
 17. The adjustable assembly of claim 15, wherein theretention assembly further comprises a locking portion operativelyconnected to the connector, the locking portion being configured toprevent the expansion portion from retracting inwardly when positionedwithin the interior space of the expansion portion.
 18. The adjustableassembly of claim 1, wherein one of the first support and the secondsupport is a fixed part of the bicycle frame.
 19. The adjustableassembly of claim 1, wherein one of the first support and the secondsupport is removably attached to the bicycle frame.
 20. The adjustableassembly of claim 15, wherein the connector comprises a cable or a rod.21. A bicycle includes an adjustable assembly, the assembly comprising:a first support configured to attach to a first bicycle portion, thefirst support having an interior surface; and a second supportconfigured to attach to a second bicycle portion, the second supportslidably positioned within the first support, the second supportcomprising a movable portion configured to engage the interior surfaceof the first support when the movable portion is in an expandedposition; a retention assembly configured to slidably move at leastpartially into or out of an interior space of the movable portion,wherein the movable portion is generally not permitted to retractinwardly when the retention assembly is positioned within the interiorspace of the movable portion; and an actuator configured to selectivelymove the retention assembly into or out of the interior space of themovable portion; wherein the second support can be selectively movedrelative to the first support when the retention assembly is moved outof the interior space of the movable portion; and wherein the secondsupport is configured to be stationary relative to the first supportwhen the retention assembly is positioned within the interior space ofthe movable portion.
 22. The bicycle of claim 21, wherein the firstbicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portioncomprises a bicycle saddle.
 23. The bicycle of claim 21, wherein thefirst bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycleportion comprises a handlebar assembly.
 24. The bicycle of claim 21,wherein the retention assembly comprises at least one of a bearingportion and locking portion.
 25. The bicycle of claim 21, wherein theinterior surface of the first support comprises a plurality of grooves,the movable portion of the second support being configured to engage oneof the grooves when the movable portion is in an expanded position. 26.The bicycle of claim 21, wherein the second support comprises a mainbody portion, and wherein the movable portion is separately formed withthe main body portion.
 27. The bicycle of claim 21, wherein the movableportion is integrally formed with the second support.
 28. The bicycle ofclaim 21, wherein the movable portion of the second support comprises anexpansion portion.
 29. The bicycle of claim 28, wherein the expansionportion comprises a collet.
 30. The bicycle of claim 21, wherein thesecond support comprises an upper end and a lower end, the movableportion being positioned at or near said lower end of the secondsupport.
 31. The bicycle of claim 21, further comprising a biasingassembly configured to urge the second support relative to the firstsupport.
 32. The bicycle of claim 21, wherein the retention assembly isnormally resiliently biased at least partially within the interior spaceof the movable portion, and wherein the actuator comprises a cable or arod mechanically attached to the retention assembly, the retentionassembly configured to be moved out of the interior space of the movableportion when the cable is generally moved.
 33. The bicycle of claim 32,wherein the cable or rod is operatively attached to a lever located neara handlebar area of the bicycle.
 34. A method of adjusting the verticalposition of a bicycle component, comprising: providing an adjustableassembly, the assembly comprising: an outer support; an inner supportslidably positioned within the outer support, the inner supportcomprising an expansion portion configured to engage an interior surfaceof the outer portion when the expansion portion is in an expandedposition; a biasing assembly configured to urge the inner supportrelative to the outer support; and an actuator configured to selectivelypermit the expansion portion to be either in a locked orientationwherein the expansion portion is maintained in the expanded position oran unlocked orientation wherein the expansion portion is generallyallowed to move into a retracted position; wherein the inner support isconfigured to be selectively slidably moved relative to the outersupport when the expansion portion is in the unlocked orientation; andwherein the inner support is configured to be generally stationaryrelative to the outer support when the expansion portion is in thelocked orientation; securing the outer portion of the assembly to afirst bicycle portion; securing the inner portion of the assembly to asecond bicycle portion; selectively raising the second bicycle portionrelative to the first bicycle portion by reducing downward forces on thesecond bicycle portion and moving the actuator so that the expansionportion is in the unlocked orientation, or selectively lowering thesecond bicycle portion relative to the first bicycle portion by exertinga downward force on the second bicycle portion and moving the actuatorso that the expansion portion is in the unlocked orientation; andmaintaining a selected vertical position of the second bicycle portionby moving the actuator so that the expansion portion is in the lockedorientation.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first bicycleportion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portioncomprises a bicycle saddle.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein thefirst bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycleportion comprises a handlebar assembly.
 37. The method of claim 34,wherein the expansion portion comprises a collet.
 38. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the actuator comprises a connector and a lever, thelever being operatively attached to the connector, and whereinselectively raising or lowering the second bicycle portion comprisesmoving the lever from a first position to a second position against aresilient force, and wherein maintaining a selected position comprisesreleasing the lever so that the lever moves to the first position. 39.The method of claim 38, wherein the connector comprises a cable or arod.